# Toyota Highlander brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 72 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (20) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 72 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Toyota Highlander (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (20). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Toyota Highlander brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 7 | 197 | 4% | | 2016 | 5 | 117 | 4% | | 2017 | 7 | 275 | 3% | | 2018 | 20 | 279 | 7% | | 2019 | 4 | 514 | 1% | | 2020 | 8 | 332 | 2% | | 2021 | 9 | 550 | 2% | | 2022 | 6 | 272 | 2% | | 2023 | 4 | 198 | 2% | | 2024 | 2 | 43 | 5% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Highlander recalls related to the brake warning light **[18V211000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V211000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-04-03): A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Highlander owners report - "Some drivers reported a momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking, particularly when driving downhill or turning with light brake pedal application. Toyota has provided a software update for the brake actuator control module to improve brake feel." -- owner of a 2024 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2026 - "At a stoplight behind another automobile, when I only slightly lifted my foot from the brake, the car lurched forward and the auto safety stop system lit up. I never touched the accelerator pedal. I pushed back down on the brake. This was not the first time this happened." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2024 - "I have had this happen being first car to stop at red light and brake will release and lurch forward almost causing me to go into cross traffic! It has happened multiple times almost making me hit the car in front of me (rear ending the car stopped in front of me). This is not a warranty issue like the..." -- owner of a 2022 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Highlander brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (18V211000) covering 2018 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Highlander years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2020 and 2021 Highlander model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 20 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Highlander with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Toyota Highlander has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Highlander warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-highlander): 15 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-highlander): 24 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-highlander): 150 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-highlander): 13 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-highlander): 35 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-highlander): 32 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Toyota Highlander - [Toyota Highlander specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-highlander) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-highlander Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.